The North Idaho College volleyball team finished 5-1 this weekend at the Days Inn Invitational Tournament at NIC's Christianson Gym. Seven teams from four states participated in the two day event, including several players from Hawaii and overseas, giving the six-match event an international flair.

The Cardinals, who came into the tournament ranked third in the National Junior College Athletic Association rankings, improved their record to 22-4.

NIC opened the tournament with a 30-17, 30-15 win over Chemeketa Community College that featured NIC racking up 32 kills with Konae Purcell (10 kills) and Cintia Alessi (8 kills) accounting for the Cardinals' fierce offensive game at the net. NIC's Meredith Dolny added 10 defensive digs. The second match was against the Inland Northwest All Stars and NIC came out again on top with 30-13, 30-17 win while committing only four errors in the two games. Amanda Misa led with nine kills and Lynnea Braun scored three aces.

Coach Bret Taylor was most pleased with the 30-21, 30-23 win over eighth-ranked Salt Lake Community College. NIC's Lauren Stern of Coeur d'Alene, currently ranked 10th in the nation in assists, raised the bar by averaging 12 assists in the key contest against the Bruins.

Community Colleges of Spokane was the opening match on the second day and the Cardinals showed a balanced attack, while not committing an error in the second game, winning 30-21, 30-16. Stern again led the way with 27 assists in the two games and Misa led with eight kills and assisted on three blocks.

After an initial win over College of Southern Idaho (30-25), the Cardinals fell in their last two games of the set (21-30, 6-15). CSI scored more kills and aces in the last two games to secure the victory. Mendenhall suffered an ankle sprain and had to leave, but Coach Taylor expects her back in the lineup soon.

NIC's next match is at home and is a rematch against Salt Lake Community College at 1 p.m. Sept. 23.

For More InformationNIC Volleyball Head Coach Bret Taylor, (208) 769-3218